Technical Padel Mistakes: Preparation and Contact

What this lesson covers

Effective padel technique relies on early, compact preparation and controlled body movement. Players often struggle by using a fast backswing, which prevents adjustment to incoming balls. Instead, prepare the racket early, before the ball bounces, and keep the backswing small and static. The height of this preparation must adapt to the incoming ball, except for lobs where the racket starts lower to allow for a low-to-high swing path. Hitting the ball late, or behind the body, forces players to use two hands or lose power, so ensure the contact point remains consistently in front of the body.

Footwork and body control are equally vital. Avoid running straight at the ball, which leaves no space to swing; move towards the ball while creating enough distance to maintain a comfortable arm length. Keep the body calm and stable during the stroke, turning the torso to prepare but holding that position through contact rather than using the body to generate power. Follow-through is necessary for precision and arm health, but it must be controlled and directed toward the target to avoid hitting the glass or lifting the ball too high. A calm, zen approach to movement prevents the common error of over-hitting.